The park is located within the Mississippi River floodplain immediately below the bluffs. While mostly open habitat — picnic areas and a golf course — a large part of the site is thickly wooded, shrubby habitat, very conducive to white-tailed deer. Bisected by both Harding Ditch and Interstate Highway 255, the site provides both a challenge and an opportunity for the determined bow hunter.

SEASONS, HOURS, LIMITS (See “Site Regulations”)

SPECIES

SEASON

HOURS

SPECIAL RULES/PERMITS

Deer

Nov. 1 - statewide closing *

Statewide

Crossing of Harding Ditch within confines
of site allowed; No hunting from Harding Ditch right-of-way. (See #1 below.)

Turkey

Nov. 1 - statewide closing *

Statewide

(Same as above)

* Site is open during firearm deer season. Bow hunters must comply with blaze orange outer garment and cap requirement.

Trapping

Statewide

Statewide

Designated areas only; Contact Site Superintendent for details

SITE REGULATIONS:

Deer/Fall Turkey Archery

A total of 10 bow hunters will be permitted to hunt the designated hunting area of Frank Holten State Park, during each of the designated hunts. Statewide hunting hours and regulations will apply, with the following site specific regulations in effect:

A drawing will be held to determine the eligible hunters for the 11 hunts available. Hunting begins on November 1. Persons interested in participating in the drawing should contact Frank Holten State Park to request an Application. Hunters will need to prioritize the hunting date selections they are interested in hunting. Only 1 hunt will be awarded per hunter.

Permits are not transferable. Applications will be accepted through September 30th. Only successful applicants will be notified by Email once the drawing is complete.

Successful applicants will be instructed to download a windshield card by going to the IDNR website (www.dnr.illinois.gov). Navigate to “hunting/trapping” and then “public hunting areas” to print these cards. Hunters will be required to return to this website prior February 15 each year to record harvest information. Failure to submit data will result in the loss of hunting privileges for the following year. No daily check-in/out will be necessary.

Hunting is allowed only in the designated bow hunting area (see map). Developed recreation areas (e.g. picnic and other mowed areas) are closed to hunting. Access to the designated hunting area is by Pocket Road near Highway 255 only. No access is allowed from the parking lots, boat ramps or roads within the park. Parking is only permitted on the park side (northeast side) shoulder of Pocket Road.

Construction or use of any tree stand using nails, screws, wire or any device which pierces or cuts the bark of the tree on which it is installed is unlawful.

Tree stands may be left unattended from October 15 – January 31. Stands must be legibly marked with the owner’s name address and telephone number.

If deer being tracked leaves the designated hunting area, go to site office for instructions before retrieval.

Hunters are required to wear a blaze orange vest and hat during all firearm seasons (shotgun, muzzleloader, pistol, late winter). There is no firearm hunting allowed at FHSP.

TRAPPING

Two (2) trapping permits will be awarded per season. One for each designated trapping area. A drawing will be held at the site office one week prior to the trapping season. Interested parties should register at the site office before this time. Late registrants will be taken on a first come first served basis and can take the remaining designated area if available. Traps are limited to water sets only. Trappers must report their harvest to the site office at the end of the trapping season.

Equal opportunity to participate in programs of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and those funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other agencies is available to all individuals regardless of race, sex, national origin, disability, age, religion, or other non-merit factors. If you believe you have been discriminated against, contact the funding source’s civil rights office and/or the Equal Employment Opportunity Officer, IDNR, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702; (217)785-0067; TTY (217)782-9175.